Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E2E
E2E13E2E

Which of these digital modes has the highest data throughput under clear communication conditions?

Deep Dive: E2E13

The correct answer is D: PACTOR IV. Which of these digital modes has the highest data throughput under clear communication conditions is PACTOR IV. PACTOR IV has the highest data rate among these modes. For amateur radio operators, this is important for high-speed data communication. Understanding this helps when selecting digital modes.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (MFSK16): Incorrect. MFSK16 has lower throughput than PACTOR IV - PACTOR IV is faster. MFSK16 isn't the highest. Option B (170 Hz shift, 45 baud RTTY): Incorrect. RTTY has lower throughput than PACTOR IV - PACTOR IV is faster. RTTY isn't the highest. Option C (FT8): Incorrect. FT8 has lower throughput than PACTOR IV - PACTOR IV is faster. FT8 isn't the highest.

Exam Tip

Highest data throughput digital mode = PACTOR IV. Think 'P'ACTOR 'I'V = 'P'eak 'I'nput 'V'elocity (highest speed). PACTOR IV has the highest data rate among these modes. Not MFSK16, not RTTY, not FT8 - just PACTOR IV.

Memory Aid

Highest data throughput digital mode = PACTOR IV. Think 'P'ACTOR 'I'V = 'H'ighest 'S'peed. PACTOR IV has the highest data rate among these modes. Important for high-speed data communication.

Real-World Example

Digital mode data throughput: PACTOR IV has the highest data throughput under clear conditions (up to several thousand bits per second). MFSK16, RTTY, and FT8 all have lower data rates. PACTOR IV is designed for high-speed data transfer. This is the mode - PACTOR IV has the highest data throughput.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E2E

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E2 - Operating Procedures

Key Concepts

Digital modes Highest data throughput PACTOR IV Data rate

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E2E topic.